August 27, 2025
- College Heights
- Aug 30
- 2 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This week I will preach on Luke 14:1, 7-14 where I will talk about how true righteousness is not about profit or philanthropy. It is about mutual aid rooted in class solidarity, where everyone has access to the same spaces and opportunities. Mutual care doesn’t keep score or expect repayment, it is about freely giving and receiving. Sharing goes beyond occasional tokens; it means transforming material conditions so that all may flourish. To love and praise God is to recognize that our own flourishing is bound together with the flourishing of others.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. May the rest of your week be filled with peace, encouragement, and reminders of God’s abundant love.
-Jorge
P. S. August's Giving Sunday offering is for Neighbors in Need. This annual UCC collection supports ministries of justice and compassion. One-third is given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds to UCC justice ministries.
The Church Council recently clarified what monies in the collection plate go to our Giving Sunday recipient each month. On the first Sunday of the month (the "Giving Sunday"), the whole plate goes to the designated nonprofit. Any other time during the month you can contribute by way of a check with the name of the nonprofit in the memo line.
Recent sermons
Check out our YouTube page to see recent sermons. Go to our archive of slides to see bulletins and slides used during recent services.
Recordings of our Taize services are also on the YouTube page.
Upcoming services and events
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, August 28, 7pm on Zoom. We've segued from signs to past lives, starting with the now-classic Brian Weiss book, "Many Lives, Many Masters." All are welcome to join the discussion, whether you've read the book or not.
Book Group: Sunday, Aug 31, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki. We will spend two sessions on this novel.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Sept 7, after worship. All are invited to come plan the fall worship schedule.
Taize Service: Friday, September 12, 7:30pm. Monthly service of chant, prayer and quiet. Also available via Zoom.
Instant Choir: Sunday, September 14, 9am rehearsal. All are welcome.
Church Council: Sunday, September 21, after worship
Church Work Day: Saturday, October 18, 9-12. Inside and outside jobs need doing, and it's always more fun together. Bring your lunch and relax afterwards.
Links and resources
Quote of the week
How do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed? - bell hooks
Weekly events
• Meditation group: Wednesdays at 7:30 am.
In person at the church building
• Sunday worship: 10 am
In person at the church building
• Church Office Hours: Thursdays 2:30pm-5:30pm, in person at the church building.
To schedule an appointment please call or text 510-754-6796 or email xicanominister@gmail.com.
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